Noah's energy back, and so is his game

Bulls center hitting stride in playoffs after regaining timing lost to ankle sprain

May 07, 2011|By K.C. Johnson, Tribune reporter

Joakim Noah gets in front of Atlanta's Joe Johnson during the second half of Game 3. (Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune)

ATLANTA — As much as the physical pain affected Joakim Noah, the mental strain proved tougher.

It's easy to look at Noah's averages of 11.5 points and 11.4 rebounds in these playoffs and say that's what he is, a double-double machine.

But as recently as mid-April, after playing limited minutes with less impact as he recovered from his sprained right ankle, even Noah had doubts.

"You never know," Noah said. "I didn't know last season when I had my foot problems with plantar fasciitis. Being injured is the toughest thing you can go through. You want to be helping your teammates, and I wasn't.

"It was very tough coming into the playoffs, not knowing if I was going to be ready. It definitely gives you an edge. Times like that, they keep you humble and they keep you working."

Noah only managed one double-double — the regular-season finale on April 13 against the Nets — in his final six games after returning from his injury. That's why he had doubts. And that's why the Bulls' emotional leader is walking around with a smile that appears permanent.

"My body feels very good right now," Noah said. "I feel very healthy. I feel like the playoffs are a different pace too. Every game is magnified. You get a lot of rest between games."

All that allows Noah to play his intense role during them. Though Noah managed just two points in Game 3, coach Tom Thibodeau praised Noah afterward for his 15 rebounds, five blocks, solid screening and energy running upcourt.

"It's not only the energy," Thibodeau said. "He has to concentrate. When he concentrates, that is what gives him that special intensity. You can't just run around wildly otherwise that breaks our defense down. He's disciplined and a great multiple effort guy."

Thibodeau said he had no concerns Noah would regain his form. To his eye, Noah, who also missed 30 games after thumb surgery and one to the flu, had timing issues, not health issues.

And now those are gone.

"It's his willpower," Derrick Rose said of Noah. "He just keeps fighting every time. He's a pest. He never gives up. That's his job."